WV Delegate Endorses Bible Elective Course
Monday, November 24, 2025
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Mingo County, WV, November 24--Delegate Henry C. Dillon (R-District 29), who proudly represents Mingo and Wayne counties, recently voiced strong support for local educator Eric Starr’s grassroots petition to introduce a non-evangelizing Bible elective course in Mingo County schools. The initiative, presented to the Mingo County Board of Education on Nov. 18, reflects the deep-rooted values of the community while ensuring academic freedom and legal compliance.
Eric Starr, a dedicated social studies teacher at Tug Valley High School, personally collected signatures door-to-door to demonstrate robust public support for the elective. The hands-on effort underscores genuine demand from Mingo County families for an optional course that explores the Bible’s historical, literary, and cultural significance—without proselytizing or devotionals. As a legally protected elective, it safeguards the rights of all students by allowing participation based on individual interest.
“Earlier this year, we passed legislation enabling the placement of ‘In God We Trust’ posters in public schools, and the response from parents has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Delegate Dillon. “As public school enrollment declines across the state, educational leaders must ask themselves whether this decline is due, in part, to schools failing to reflect the values of the communities they serve. West Virginians understand that the Holy Bible is foundational to our society, and they want their children to have the opportunity to build their lives on that solid foundation.”
“I commend Mr. Starr for his hands-on approach to gathering support—it’s a testament to the passion our educators and families hold for enriching children’s education,” Delegate Dillon continued. “This isn’t about mandating beliefs; it’s about empowering students with knowledge of a foundational text that has shaped Western civilization. Mr. Starr’s effort exemplifies the kind of commitment to a thorough, comprehensive education that should guide improvement efforts across the state.”
Delegate Dillon added, "The role of education in a republic like ours is to equip our children with the knowledge of truth, the development of virtue, and the soundness of judgment to actively engage in self-government and fulfill their God-given purpose on Earth. Allowing students to engage directly with the most influential and consequential book in human history—the same book most frequently cited by America's founders—will only lead to a better future for our state and nation."
Delegate Dillon sponsored HJR 31 in the 2025 regular session to recognize the Holy Bible as a foundational text for government and society. He intends to introduce similar legislation during the 2026 regular session.
Delegate Henry C. Dillon represents West Virginia’s 29th Delegate District, encompassing parts of Mingo and Wayne counties. A lifelong resident of the region, he holds a B.A. in English, an M.A.T. in secondary education from Marshall University, and a Ph.D. in leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. Elected in 2022, Delegate Dillon is committed to defending Christian values and individual rights in the Mountain State.
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